Process for the recovery of low molecular weight c2+ hydrocarbons from a cracking gas

ABSTRACT

PCT No. PCT/EP93/01180 Sec. 371 Date Feb. 3, 1995 Sec. 102(e) Date Feb. 3, 1995 PCT Filed May 12, 1993 PCT Pub. No. WO93/24428 PCT Pub. Date Dec. 9, 1993.The invention relates to a process for the recovery of low molecular weight C2+ hydrocarbons, in particular ethylene and ethane from a cracking gas, in particular from a fluid catalytic cracking waste gas. In accordance with the invention the light C2+ hydrocarbons are scrubbed out of the cracking gas by absorption, using an organic, preferably paraffinic, physically acting scrubbing agent, the scrubbing agent having a molecular weight of between 50 and 75 g/mol, preferably between 60 and 75 g/mol. Particularly suitable as scrubbing agents are pentane, isopentane or mixtures thereof. Prior to the generation of the loaded scrubbing agent, co-extracted methane is advantageously stripped off.



